Ever since fat loss jabs hit the market, including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, gym enthusiasts and slim people are also turning to these popular weight loss drugs to enhance their physique. However, experts are sounding the alarm - they are warning that for those without obesity or diabetes, the risks outweigh the rewards. The Rise of 'Fit' People Using Fat-burning JabsPeople who are already leading active lives are also reaching out for medications designed for obese people, especially those who want to crash diets before holidays, body builders and gym regulars. They have said that these drugs have helped them shed the "last few pounds" and sculpt leaner physiques easily. The Sun reported that in bodybuilding, the phase of losing fat to highlight muscle definition is called "cutting". For some, GLP-1 drugs have become the shortcut to achieve that. However, UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned against using these jabs for the same. Doctors have time and again cautioned against its use for non diabetic or obese persons, and highlighted side effects like nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and muscle loss.Read: How To Identify A Counterfeit Ozempic? Look For These Signs, Details Inside It Is Not A ShortcutDr Amos Ogunkoya, GP and sports medicine specialist, says and is as reported by The Sun, “Using weight-loss jabs when you already have low body fat is not a good idea. These medications slow digestion and suppress appetite, which can quickly lead to dehydration, fatigue, or even muscle loss in people with low energy reserves.”He adds that extreme calorie restriction combined with low fat stores may trigger hormonal imbalances, depression, and anxiety. “In short, it’s not a shortcut, it’s a risk,” he warns.Experts are also worried about the trend, which may have a log lasting impact on vulnerable people, especially those living with eating disorder. Dr Donald Grant, Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, as reported by The Sun, says many fitness enthusiasts are mixing GLP-1 drugs with performance-enhancing substances and restrictive diets, a combination with unknown risks.“These medications were never designed for lean athletes and haven’t been studied in this group,” he says. “The long-term side effects in this population remain largely unknown.”So, Why Are Fitness Buffs Doing It?For some, it is about control. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist family that help people with diabetes manage blood sugar by suppressing appetite and slowing stomach emptying. This side effect can make even the most disciplined eaters feel perpetually full. Competitive bodybuilder Dr Michael Israetel, who holds a PhD in Sports Science, told Sun Health: “I wouldn’t diet without it. It helped me stay lean with less hunger and better sleep, same results, but in less time and with far less stress.”He described how even small meals became a challenge: “I’d start eating already half-full. After a few protein bars, I was just done, no cravings. It was a total game-changer.”Read More: Ozempic Soon To Be Launched In India, Here's All That You Should Know About This Weight Loss DrugMicro-dosing Weight-loss DrugsSome clinics are now offering microdosing of these popular weight loss drugs to be given in smaller doses than standard prescription for those who want to attain that 'little bit more' to be fit. Dr Omar Babar, from Headland Clinic in Leicester tells The Sun, “Microdosing is very useful for gym goers. It cuts out food noise and has a low side-effect profile.”Most weight-loss patients start at 2.5 mg doses that increase gradually, but many fitness users start as low as 0.25 mg. Experts, however, strongly caution against adjusting doses without medical supervision.While in theory the access of drugs are tightly controlled, as the NHS recommends only those with a BMI 30 or higher and at least one health condition to receive it. Privately, the threshold is much lower, with some clinics being accused of exploiting loopholes that makes it easy for anyone to qualify to get those jabs. Dr Grant says, “The biggest concern is people obtaining the medication illegally, via black-market sites, social media sellers, or using someone else’s prescription. Without GP supervision, dosing can become inconsistent and extremely dangerous.”What Are The Side Effects Of Fat Loss Jabs On Healthy PeopleMuscle Loss: Muscle loss could be one of the biggest risk. Dr Ogunkoa suggests that "muscle wastage is dangerous. It reduces strength, endurance, and overall metabolism. If you have got little fat to lose, your body will start consuming muscle instead."Athletes using these jabs risk developing Relative Energy Deficiency (RED), a condition caused by insufficient calorie intake to meet exercise demands. This can disrupt hormones, lower bone density, and even halt menstruation in women.Stomach Strain: Common side effects of GLP-1 drugs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation — symptoms that can interfere with intense training.“In severe cases, users may develop gastroparesis, where the stomach can’t move food efficiently,” warns Dr Ogunkoya. “It’s especially concerning for endurance athletes who rely on quick digestion and steady energy.”Dizziness, Seizures, Sugar Crashes: Feeling dizzy or faint is another red flag. Because the drug suppresses hunger, athletes may fail to refuel properly, leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).Serious Health Risks: gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, acute kidney injury.
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